Helicopter Crashes On Roof Of New Mexico Hospital

Credit: KOAT

No serious injuries were reported after a medical helicopter crashed while attempting to take off from a New Mexico hospital Wednesday.

The helicopter crashed on top of the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque Wednesday evening. It had just dropped off a patient, and the pilot was trying to fly out again.

According to Albuquerque CBS affiliate KRQE, witnesses saw the helicopter spin and teeter near the side of the building moments after takeoff.

“I saw the helicopter just kind of take off and then it just started spinning sideways and almost hit the side of the building,” witness Stephanie Litten told KRQE. “Then it kind of went up and crash-landed almost on its side really hard.”

Images of the scene following the crash showed the helicopter on its side with several firefighters on the roof and the area soaked with water.

The tail section of the helicopter was damaged and could be seen extending over the edge of the roof.

Areas of the hospital that are directly below the landing pad were evacuated as a precaution.

Officials say the pilot was the only one on board who suffered any injuries, but is in "good and stable condition." Two passengers on board and all inside the hospital were unharmed.

University of New Mexico Hospital is the only top-level trauma center in New Mexico. It's unclear how long its helipad will be out of service. KRQE reports that it will likely remain out of service until the FAA completes its on-site investigation.

Online Public Information File

Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or fccinfo@fcc.gov.